The Women’s Six Nations roars back into action this weekend, with England not just defending their crown but chasing history. Fresh off a World Cup victory in September, the Red Roses aim to become the first men’s or women’s team to clinch a Six Nations title immediately after a global triumph. Captain Meg Jones has set that audacious target, declaring, “We could be the first men or women’s team to win a Six Nations after a World Cup win so that is definitely a challenge we are very aware of.”
England enter as firm favorites, riding a staggering 33-game winning streak and eyeing an eighth consecutive championship. However, they do so with a depleted squad. Retirements have claimed Abby Dow and Emily Scarratt, while injuries and pregnancies sideline Tatyana Heard, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward, and Lark Atkin-Davies. Scarratt transitions to attack and backs coach, and seven of the 38-player squad are uncapped. Despite these absences, the machine rolls on. Key player Meg Jones remains influential, with vice-captain Alex Matthews—a veteran of two World Cup wins—providing steel in the back row. Prediction: Grand slam champions again.
France, last year’s runners-up, face a familiar specter: playing second fiddle to England. Coach François Ratier, who took over in January, aims to inject new life, stating, “Our objective is to continue expanding the squad’s depth, fostering healthy and demanding competition at all positions.” Yet, their progress has stalled in recent years, highlighted by a narrow one-point loss at Twickenham in 2025. Scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus elevates their game with blistering speed and calm leadership. Prediction: They edge past Ireland but fall to England, finishing 2nd.
Ireland’s rise continues, buoyed by a third-place finish last year and a strong World Cup showing where they narrowly missed the semi-finals after letting a 13-0 lead slip to lose 18-13 against France. Captain Erin King returns from an ACL injury that cost her the World Cup, joining fellow back-rowers Dorothy Wall and Aoife Wafer. However, wing Amee-Leigh Costigan is pregnant with twins, and former co-captain Edel McMahon is injured. Ireland open against England in front of a record crowd, a tough test for a team still grappling with power issues. Prediction: 3rd.
Italy, under coach Fabio Roselli since 2025, seek stability after a mixed start. They beat Scotland and Wales in last year’s Six Nations and pushed France close in a 34-21 defeat, but flopped at the World Cup, exiting in the pool stage after an upset loss to South Africa. Roselli blends experience with nine uncapped players, emphasizing a fast start and distinct style. Key player Michela Sillari, on 94 caps, eyes becoming the fourth Italian woman to reach 100. Prediction: 5th, unable to replicate last year’s 4th.
Scotland embark on a new era under coach Sione Fukofuka, but injuries and retirements cloud their campaign. No. 8 Evie Gallagher is out, while Lisa Cockburn, Caity Mattinson, Beth Blacklock, and Jade Konkel have retired post-World Cup quarter-finals. Captain Rachel Malcolm laments Konkel’s absence: “She is an incredible teammate… To not have her and her quirkiness is something we all miss already.” Centre Emma Orr, with 11 turnovers this PWR season, offers hope. Prediction: A rise to 4th would be success, their best since 2005.
Wales, after finishing bottom last year and exiting the World Cup in the pool stage, target consistency under coach Sean Lynn. He notes, “We will be looking at our consistency… Then our attack, I want us to be brave and exciting.” Injuries to Alex Callender and Nel Metcalfe hurt, but the return of Alisha Joyce post-childbirth provides a boost. Fly-half Lleucu George is the key orchestrator. Prediction: Wooden spoon again at 6th, but improved performances would mark progress.
